According to an article published by RISMedia, there are nine real estate trends to watch this year. While specific to the Chicago market I think they are common to many cities in North America.
1. Less, With More. Single-family homebuilders are predicting the continued movement toward smaller homes, with many buyers opting for less square footage as a means of saving more, said Jim Chittaro, chief financial officer for Naperville-based J. Lawrence Homes. “Rather than paying more for square footage, they’re taking inventory of how much home they really need and deciding to go with a “quality over quantity” approach and adding features like a spa bath or gourmet kitchen that they’ll enjoy for years to come.”
2. The New American Dream. Homeownership has long been considered one of life’s benchmarks, so much so, that the concept earned the moniker, “The American Dream.” However, in today’s economic climate, realizing that dream is no longer an option for many people.
3. Urban Suburban. For years, a new-construction home in the suburbs meant moving into a cookie-cutter subdivision. But according to many suburban developers, their focus going forward won’t be simply building homes, but entire downtowns complete with residential, retail, restaurants and more.
4. Condo-MAX-iums. According to the National Association of Homebuilders, the average single-family home is 2,456 square feet. However, Chicagoland’s developers have noticed buyers – from young families to downsizers – are looking for the same amount of square feet when buying a condominium. “What we’re finding is that downsizers don’t really want to downsize at all. They’re accustomed to the design of a single-family home and don’t want to sacrifice space,” said Bob Horner, co-principal of Winthrop Properties. “Rather, they seek the maintenance-free lifestyle and single-level living offered by a condo.”
5. Online Toolboxes. According to the 2007 National Association of Realtors Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 84% of buyers use the Internet to search for a new home. Taking a cue from these findings, leading Chicagoland residential brokerage firms will be taking their services a step further by enhancing their sites with user-friendly Web tools that do much more than list homes for sale.
6. Common Ground. In the city, where green space is as high in demand as a parking space, some developers will start going the extra “yard” to give Chicagoans more outdoor community spaces.
7. The Sure Thing. With the real estate market in turmoil, buyers will be betting on the sure thing, said Ibrahim Shihadeh, co-principal of Winthrop Properties, developer of Printers Corner in the South Loop. “With our building complete and immediate move-ins available, sales momentum has been strong,” he said. “We’re one of the few buildings in the area ready for move-in. Until things smooth out a bit, buyers will continue to opt for developments that are complete or nearly complete rather than risk something that won’t come to fruition or won’t be as it was promised.”
8. The Resurgence of Rowhomes. Dating back to colonial Philadelphia and Boston, the rowhome is a hallmark of traditional city living. But at Port Clinton Place, a new-construction for-sale community in Vernon Hills developed by Opus North, and the Residences at the Grove, a 294-unit luxury rental community in Downers Grove, managed by RMK, even suburban residents will be enjoying the urban flavor of this classic housing style. “Rowhomes were born out of practicality, as their shared walls made it possible to fit more homes in densely-populated urban areas. But today, many suburban buyers are choosing these homes for their urban style and overall aesthetic appeal,” said Andrew Lockwood, real estate director for Opus North. “It’s a housing style that’s particularly appropriate at Port Clinton Place, which is part of a redevelopment plan to revitalize downtown Vernon Hills. Eventually this area will be a lively town center, much like the city neighborhoods where rowhomes first became popular.”
9. Creating Community. Many developers today are taking strides to form a sense of community among new residents before their homes are built – a trend that is expected to continue into 2009.
